Energy and Passion. These are the two highlighted attributes that the Proteas have running through their veins heading into this T20 World Cup tournament. 

Yes, strategy, tactics, style of play, skill and technique are all obvious components of the game, but it’s usually always a final sprinkle of intangible ingredients that separates the best from the rest – something extra that takes a team over the line. 

History hasn’t favoured the Proteas in previous World Cup campaigns.

Despite fielding teams filled with superstar names and going into tournaments ranked in the top tier, they always came up short. 

World Cup heartbreak has always been part and parcel of being a Proteas fan. 

Out of the 18 squad members, including 3 reserves, Only 8 players have experienced the ghosts of World Cups past – Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Aiden Markram and Pretorius – while the rest are new to the pressures of a major tournament. 

Do we dare to think differently this time around? 

My optimism was certainly revitalised when I sat down for a chat with Proteas all-rounder, Dwaine Pretorius. 

“Look, I was there in 2019 and I was there in 2017…

See what Dwaine Pretorius said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine in our World Cup edition!